Jaguar XK140
1954–1957 · still drums · rack and pinion for the first time
The middle XK, and the one where the steering and the dampers change — but not the brakes.
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About the Jaguar XK140
Two mechanical changes from the XK120 matter more than anything else. Rack-and-pinion steering appears for the first time, replacing the recirculating-ball box — and it is worth knowing that retro-fitting it to an XK120 needs chassis alteration and a different radiator, so the two are not interchangeable in practice. And telescopic dampers replace the XK120’s lever arms, all round. The brakes do not change: the XK140 is still on drums. Sources describe them only as “improved” without giving a specification, so we will not put a size on them.
Two body changes affect seals and panels. The engine, firewall and dash were all moved forward three inches to free up legroom, and the door A-post angle changed from 45 degrees to 90 degrees. Door aperture and seal geometry are not XK120 geometry. The windscreen is still removable on the roadster and fixed on the drophead and fixed-head cars. Engines: 190bhp standard, or the C-type head option at 210bhp with 2-inch H8 carburettors, heavier torsion bars and a dual exhaust — badged SE in Britain and MC in North America. 8,937 built, and note how export-heavy it was: 1,392 right-hand drive against 7,545 left.
Jaguar XK140 — specification & changes within the model
- Brakes
- Drums, like the XK120. Sources call them “improved” and give no specification, so we will not quote a size. Discs arrive with the XK150 in May 1957.
- Steering — the change from the XK120
- Rack and pinion for the first time. Fitting it to an XK120 requires chassis alteration and a radiator change, so treat the two steering systems as entirely separate.
- Dampers
- Telescopic all round, replacing the XK120’s lever arms.
- Two body changes that move the seals
- Engine, firewall and dash moved forward three inches. Door A-post angle changed from 45° to 90°. Door aperture and seal geometry differ from the XK120.
- Engines
- 190bhp standard. C-type head option, 210bhp at 5,750rpm with 2in H8 carburettors, heavier torsion bars and dual exhausts — SE in the UK, MC in North America.
- Glass
- Windscreen still removable on the roadster, fixed on the drophead and fixed-head. The one-piece curved screen is an XK150 feature.
- Not claimed
- Brake make and drum size. No source carries them. And earth polarity and voltage, as on every XK.